AMD set to release low-cost six-core Phenom IIs

AMD is poised to release its new six-core enthusiast-level processors at prices far below competing Intel parts, and Asustek, Gigabyte, and MSI are busily readying motherboards in anticipation of the launch.

So say "sources from motherboard makers" speaking with the Taiwanese market-watchers at DigiTimes.

According to that news site's report, the two six-core parts will be, as expected, the Phenom II X6 1055T and Phenom II X6 1090T Black Edition.

Word on the street is that the 1055T will run at 2.8GHz and the 1090T will start at 3.2GHz but will have an unlocked multiplier. Both will be in AM3 packages.

The price for the 1055T will hover around $200, and the 1090T Black Edition should set you back around $305 to $315, according to DigiTimes' sources. Compare that to Intel's top-drawer six-core Core i7-980X Extreme Edition, which clocks at 3.33GHz, but which runs a cool $999 in lots of 1,000.

DigiTimes also noted that three more AMD six-core desktop processors, including the Phenom II X6 1035T, will appear "at a later time." Don't expect to wait very long. ®